Guru of Gen Z or simple influencer a little overwhelmed by her notoriety? The name of Ophenya, at the head of a community of 4.9 million subscribers on TikTok, quickly comes up when it comes to discussing the limit between influence and influence on social networks. The socialist deputy Arthur Delaporte even took her as an example to defend his proposed law aimed at strengthening the fight against sectarian abuses.
Between minors who worship him, promotions of problematic products and life advice distributed on video, it must be said that his case has become emblematic. But are influencers necessarily potential gurus? “We can’t say that,” against Stéphanie de Vanssay, national advisor to the federation of Unsa-Éducation unions on digital and education issues and specializing in sectarian aberrations at school.
When the influencer takes the place of the “mom”
However, the fundamentals are there: firstly a community, which “is built very well online”, revolving around the words of an individual. Then a “stardom that turns into a cult of personality”, not necessarily wanted by the influencer. In the case of Ophenya, this stage has already been largely reached: her community, the “Bgnyas”, readily nickname her “mom”, or compare her to a “big sister” or “best friend”.
A true “parasocial relationship”, describes Anaëlle Gonzalez, researcher specializing in the influence of media and social networks on the political and moral development of young people at KU Leuven University in Belgium. In other words, a relationship in which “the gap is reduced” between the influencer and her community, “by making people believe in a form of friendship, of proximity, whereas the relationship is unilateral, without reciprocity”. However, “the functionalities of social networks make it possible to reduce this gap, for example with Instagram channels which simulate the private messages that we can have with friends”, again one-way.
This type of relationship can easily lead to the formation of a bond of trust, which can prove dangerous. Because this false proximity is cultivated, in particular “by overestimating subscribers, by telling them that they are wonderful, by making them feel special when we respond to their comment”, adds Stéphanie de Vanssay. In the case of Ophenya, the influencer goes so far as to intervene in the lives of her subscribers, for example by calling the school of a harassed student. We then understand the term “mom” better…
Sexual Assault and Financial Demands
For adolescents, the risk is to “use the influencer as the main pillar of their social esteem”, underlines Anaëlle Gonzalez. “The break with the original environment is what is most problematic for teenagers, who are already building themselves in opposition to their parents,” warns Stéphanie de Vanssay. This is where the trap can close. “We have already had several cases of sexual assault by YouTubers against young girls who were taking the train to meet their idol,” recalls the teacher.
The sexual omnipotence of the guru over his followers, a particularly striking characteristic of sects. Just like “the exorbitant nature of the financial requirements, which we find with the price of training courses for personal development coaches”, quotes Stéphanie de Vanssay. If she is not there yet, Ophenya has nevertheless already flirted with this line. First with videos clearly relating to personal development, on “mourning” or “self-confidence”. But especially with the dating application Crush, which she promoted, which under the guise of being free offered to pay to be featured.
A pack out of control
A controversy which, however, did not shake the community of Ophenya. This is particularly due to the “halo effect”, which leads “in the mechanics of control to generalize the positive aspects of a person we admire in all their actions”, explains Anaëlle Gonzalez. Regardless of the lack of transparency and the danger posed by this application, its community seemed ready to defend it against anyone… including those who distanced themselves.
During the controversy over Ophenya’s (finally canceled) participation in the “Aux Jeux Streamers” program, certain Internet users reported cases of harassment against former fans of the influencer on X. “If you are a former follower, it is dangerous for the followers themselves, because you can weaken their beliefs,” summarizes Stéphanie de Vanssay, also citing the example of Thierry Casasnovas.
This “extreme loyalty” is however “fairly common now in online communities, but the sectarian aspect begins when behind the exploitation of emotions, there is a lack of transparency about interests”, specifies Anaëlle Gonzalez. Pack harassment and the slide towards control are not necessarily intended and even less controlled by influencers. “It can arise from an unexpected celebrity that exceeds our capabilities,” says Stéphanie de Vanssay.
To limit the risks, in addition to raising awareness among parents and teenagers, Anaëlle Gonzalez calls on influencers to “be aware that their expertise has limits, and to repeat to their audience that they are not their friends”. “Ophenya is not a psychologist but she gives advice to teenagers who will generalize,” she regrets. It’s not bigoted, but it’s perhaps just as devastating.